By Alijon Oripov | August 28, 2024
Energy Efficiency Laboratory Problems and Development Prospects of Transparent Polymer Solar Cells
The National University of Uzbekistan continues to strengthen its position as a center for innovation and sustainability through the creation of a new Energy Efficiency Laboratory.
This laboratory serves as a hub for student research and applied studies in renewable energy technologies, particularly focusing on transparent polymer solar cells and micro-energy systems.
The Energy Efficiency Lab was established to engage students in hands-on research that supports the university’s Affordable and Clean Energy and Climate Action commitments.
The lab provides facilities for:
Testing and developing solar-based technologies (solar cookers, photovoltaic panels, microgrids);
Conducting experiments on energy storage and conversion;
Researching innovative materials such as transparent polymers for next-generation solar cells;
Promoting student innovation through independent and supervised scientific projects.
“Our goal is to combine scientific curiosity with sustainable development,” says Azizbek Saparbayev, a research coordinator and young scientist at NUUz. “We want students to learn by doing — to build, test, and improve real solutions for Uzbekistan’s energy future.”
One of the key research directions of the lab is the development of transparent polymer solar cells (TPSCs) — a new generation of lightweight, flexible, and semi-transparent solar panels that can be integrated into windows, building facades, and smart devices.
These cells differ from traditional silicon-based panels by offering:
Transparency: allowing visible light to pass through, making them ideal for architectural integration.
Flexibility and light weight: enabling applications in portable electronics and curved surfaces.
Low-cost production: polymer materials can be processed at lower temperatures using printing techniques.
However, the technology also faces technical challenges:
Limited efficiency (currently around 10–15%) compared to conventional silicon cells;
Lower stability and shorter lifespan under UV exposure;
Need for improved encapsulation and charge transport layers.
The laboratory’s ongoing projects aim to improve both the power conversion efficiency and durability of these solar cells under Uzbekistan’s high solar irradiation conditions.
The establishment of the Energy Efficiency Laboratory is a strategic step toward transforming NUUz into a green research university.
In the coming years, the lab plans to:
Collaborate with the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan and international universities for joint research on sustainable materials;
Develop pilot transparent solar installations on campus windows and bus stops;
Publish scientific results in international journals on polymer solar cell performance in Central Asian climates.
The long-term vision is to create a national center for renewable energy innovation, fostering scientific creativity and environmental responsibility among the youth.
“Every student project contributes to a cleaner, smarter future,” adds Saparbayev Azizbek. “Through science, we can make sustainability not just an idea — but a daily reality.”